GLOSSARY
Capacity Building
Capacity building is any activity that enhances the ability of an organization
to achieve its mission, vision, goals, and objectives; it is both a process
and a desired outcome. The process includes assessing and developing skills,
systems, people and other resources that organizations use to meet critical
community needs; it is focused on strengthening the ability to survive, adapt,
and thrive in a fast-changing world. The desired outcomes of capacity building
are organizational effectiveness, adaptability, and sustainability.
Capacity Building Providers
Professional consultants, facilitators and management support organizations
that work with nonprofits to build on strengths, help channel existing resources,
and determine strategies and action steps needed for long-term sustainability
and effectiveness. Capacity building providers tend to be generalists, are external
to the organization and hired on a contract basis. Their aim is to empower,
strengthen, and build independence.
First Cohort
This refers to the first group of agencies that participated in the BEST Pilot
Project during 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. These agencies included Boys and Girls
Club, Catholic Charities, Flint Neighborhood Improvement, Genesee County Habitat
for Humanity, Greater Flint Arts Council, Loose Senior Citizen Center, Metro
Housing Partnership, National Council Alcoholism/Addictions, Planned Parenthood,
Priority Children, Resource Center and Salem Housing.
Organizational Assessment
Assessment is often used interchangeably with diagnosis, but the latter term
has a more negative connotation because of its common medical usage. In the
BEST Project, assessment denotes a multi-faceted process that includes both
objective and subjective evaluation of all management and operational functions
including: governance, management, culture, technology, financial stewardship
and resource development. Self-evaluation is viewed as an important component
of the overall process.
Organizational Effectiveness
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) defines organizational effectiveness
as “the ability of an organization to fulfill its mission through a blend
of sound management, strong governance, and a persistent rededication to achieving
results.” In this and other definitions, there is an implication that
organizational effectiveness is an ongoing goal that must be monitored over
time.
Peer Learning and Reflection
Peer learning can occur in many informal ways, but in the BEST Project it is
supported by a facilitated network.
Pilot Project
This refers to the agencies that participated in first BEST Assessment and Capacity
Building Phase from 2003-2006. A total of fifteen agencies participated in the
Assessment Phase and eleven agencies were funded for capacity building; a twelfth
agency was funded separately for capacity building. In addition, another agency
sat out of the Capacity Building for one year but did participate in the second
year (2005-2006).
Second Cohort
The second cohort refers to the second group of agencies to be funded by the
Flint Funders Collaborative. Eight agencies have participated in the second
cohort Assessment Phase. These agencies included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Court
Street Village Housing, Crim Fitness Foundation, Flint Public Library, Flint
Youth Theater, IMA Children’s Recreation Fund, Jewish Community Services
and YWCA of Greater Flint. All eight agencies are eligible to apply for the
Capacity Building Phase.
Technical Assistance Providers
These are experts in specific management and operational areas, such as information
technology, public relations, marketing and communication. They may be internal
staff in larger organizations. Smaller organizations usually contract externally
for these functions. Whether they are local or regional, accessibility and reliability
are key considerations. They tend to be hired to come in and perform a discrete
service for a limited period of time.
--Project Guide Table of Contents--
- Introduction
- Start Up
- Process
- Infrastructure
- Evaluation
- Resources
- Bibliography
- Glossary
- Appendix A: Demographics
- Appendix B: BEST Workshops
- Appendix C: Other Events
Nonprofit Governance Summit participants can download the RFP here! New Nonprofit Capacity Building Opportunity
New Genesee County Initiative Focuses on Nonprofit Governance New Genesee County Initiative Focuses on Nonprofit Board Governance and Leadership
Exciting opportunity for Nonprofits and Boards
The Flint Funders Collaborative established governance procedures that:
* Review grant proposals and specify who can respond to How did the funders conceptualize a BEST initiative?
All funders in the Collaborative credit their careful planning prior to launching BEST with building stronger relationships within the What is BEST?
The BEST Project is a strategic initiative developed to build the adaptive capacity of nonprofits in Flint and Genesee County. BEST
